The anticipation surrounding the upcoming patch has reached fever pitch among Travelers worldwide. With Version 6.3 Luna IV scheduled to arrive on January 14, 2026, players face some of their toughest banner decisions yet.

The Genshin Impact 6.3 banner overview reveals an incredibly character-dense update featuring three brand-new units and several high-value reruns, leaving many wondering where to invest their hard-earned Primogems. We’ve teamed up with LDShop to have a look at it in greater detail.

What’s Actually Coming in Version 6.3?

The leak community has delivered remarkably consistent information about what’s ahead. Phase 1 is expected to feature Columbina and Neuvillette, while Phase 2 will bring Zibai alongside Ineffa. Adding to the excitement, a new 4-star character named Illuga will appear as a rate-up in both phases.

This lineup represents a significant moment for the game’s evolving meta. Columbina arrives as the third Fatui Harbinger to become playable, bringing with her a completely new reaction system that could reshape how we think about team building.

Meanwhile, Zibai introduces Lunar Crystallize mechanics that give Geo characters a fresh purpose in the meta.

The Columbina Conundrum: Revolutionary or Restrictive?

When examining the Genshin Impact 6.3 banner overview, Columbina stands out as the most polarizing character. She’s a five-star Hydro Catalyst user whose damage and support capabilities scale with Max HP, and she increases the base damage of all Lunar reactions. Think of her as the Nahida of the Lunar reaction system—a foundational piece that could define team compositions for months to come.

However, here’s where player hesitation kicks in. Her primary limitation is a lack of team flexibility, with most of her unique power locked behind synergy with Nod-Krai and Lunar-reaction teams. For players who haven’t invested in characters like Flins, Lauma, or Nefer, Columbina might feel underwhelming. She can’t independently convert standard reactions like Vaporize into their Lunar variants, making her dependent on specific teammates to shine.

The numbers paint an interesting picture. At C0, she delivers around 35,000 Hyperbloom DPS, which is competitive but not groundbreaking when compared to established meta characters. Her Elemental Skill summons an HP-scaled entity that applies Hydro while accumulating Omen stacks, and her Burst creates a Moonlit Domain that amplifies Lunar Reactions. For players building around the new reaction system, she’s nearly essential. For everyone else, she’s a luxury that might not justify the Primogem investment.

Zibai: The Geo Main DPS We’ve Been Waiting For?

Phase 2’s headline character presents an entirely different value proposition. Zibai is a five-star Geo Sword user designed as the main DPS for Lunar Crystallize reactions introduced in this update. Her kit revolves around rapid Lunar Crystallize triggers, with her fourth Normal Attack becoming a reaction hit when enhanced, allowing her to generate resources quickly and maintain consistent damage output.

What makes Zibai compelling is that when paired with characters like Illuga, Lunar Crystallize hits can deal over 40,000 damage. That’s substantial damage from a reaction that’s traditionally been considered purely defensive. She represents a complete reimagining of how Geo characters can contribute to team compositions beyond shield generation.

Yet player hesitation around Zibai stems from uncertainty about the Lunar Crystallize meta’s longevity. Is this reaction system a passing gimmick or the future of Geo team building? Players who remember the initial skepticism around Dendro reactions—which eventually became meta-defining—see parallels. Others worry they’re investing in a niche system that won’t age well.

The Rerun Value Proposition

Sometimes the best banner decision isn’t about new characters at all. Neuvillette will remain one of the best Hydro hypercarries entering 2026, with one of the easiest rotations to master. For players who missed him during his initial run, this rerun represents a no-brainer investment. He works beautifully with newer characters like Lauma and Escoffier, and he’s getting an alternative skin during Version 6.3 as a bonus.

Ineffa’s inclusion in Phase 2 is equally significant. One thing has become crystal clear to many players: Ineffa is an invaluable character to